Shane Claiborne on #SandyHook, the #NRA and #guncontrol

In an article published over the holiday, progressive theologian Shane Claiborne theorized what Jesus might say in the wake of the tragic events – such as happened in Newtown, CT. They were strong words, which I felt needed to be shared:

After all, the Bible has a lot to say about loving enemies, and “Thou shalt not kill,” but doesn’t even mention the right to bear arms.

Many evangelicals and fundamentalist Christians like to point out that Mormonism – which considers itself a valid, Christian sect – is a cult. I know far too many of the same people who default to the constitution in response to situations like Sandy Hook, rather than the Bible. I call it the “cult of the Constitution.” Listen to people like Glenn Beck and Kirk Cameron, and you will soon get the picture. They take the Bible and historic Christianity – cram it all into an elementary understanding of the founding of this country – and default to the Constitution when they so choose.

It’s very convenient when you are attempting to hold on to a power structure, but wrong in the course of faithful Christianity.

The “cult of the Constitution” and the right to bear arms should always be understood in light of the life and example of Jesus Christ.

This is not an issue I intend on letting die another quiet death. I may even say more on this beautifully and thoughtfully written article by Claiborne.